Heaphy bat monitoring records a rise in activity

DOC’s August update reports a rise in recorded bat activity around the Heaphy Track. The useful detail is in what was measured: a bat pass rate, rather than a headcount of individual animals.

The monitoring result

DOC reports an average pass rate of 6.75 in the 2026 monitoring, compared with 1.79 in 2018. The February checks covered 25 locations over 12 fine nights around the Heaphy and Gunner areas.

DOC connects the encouraging result with predator-control and trapping work. The figures are evidence about detected activity; they should not be rewritten as ‘there are now 6.75 bats’ or used to calculate an individual population.

What walkers can take from it

There’s more happening in a forest than the wildlife you see in daylight. Monitoring can help reveal that, while still leaving questions about the animals themselves.

A small job before the next trip

DOC’s update asks visitors to pay attention to clean gear, including boots, poles and packs. Our suggestion is to make that check at home while you have time to remove trapped dirt and seeds, including from hook-and-loop fasteners.

If you’re replacing worn footwear, our second-hand boot sizing guide helps with fit. Clean and inspect the pair before taking it somewhere new.

Sources and current details

Conservation news. Sources checked 26 September 2026. Announcement dated 2026-08-13.

• Official source

Updated 26 September 2026: shortened the wording for easier reading.